Alzheimer Society of Canada position on aducanumab decision

Canada

The Alzheimer Society of Canada has been made aware of the decision by Biogen Canada Inc. to withdraw its submission of aducanumab from regulatory review by Health Canada as a treatment for people living with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

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This decision will disappoint many people who had experienced positive responses to trials of the treatment, as well as those who had watched with interest and supported its approval for use in Canada.

The Alzheimer Society of Canada respects the decision made by Biogen and renews its call for additional funding for dementia research. Canada’s per capita funding commitments are far behind the funds allocated for cancer and heart disease and we rank well behind several of our G7 peers.

This must change so that new breakthroughs can be developed, tested and approved to provide hope for people living with dementia.

What should Canadians know about aducanumab (a.k.a. Aduhelm)?

Aducanumab (brand name Aduhelm) was an Alzheimer's disease drug that received much global news coverage in 2021 and 2022. The drug was not commercially available in Canada, as drug-maker Biogen withdrew it from Health Canada review in June 2022. Find more information and details here.

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What is the process for approving dementia drugs in Canada?

Many people ask us how new dementia drugs are approved in Canada. In short, these drugs go through the same regulatory process that any other drug does. Here is more information about how drugs are approved in Canada – and which medications have made the grade for major dementias so far.

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The Alzheimer Society Research Program

The Alzheimer Society Research Program is one of Canada's most innovative hubs for dementia research, helping the brightest minds in the field spark their work from idea to impact. Since 1989, we have invested over $78 million in grants and awards toward innovative dementia research nationally.

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